Ringworm: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Ringworm, medically known as tinea, is a fungal infection that affects the skin, causing a circular, itchy rash with a characteristic red ring pattern.

It is usually caused by coming into contact with infected skin, contaminated clothing, or infected animals. If left untreated, ringworm can lead to skin irritation, inflammation, and even secondary infections. To alleviate ringworm, herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, neem, and aloe vera can be used to reduce inflammation and kill fungal spores.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies and to follow proper preparation and dosage instructions to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of ringworm, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of ringworm?

The main causes of ringworm are fungal infections, specifically dermatophyte fungi, which are Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species.

These fungi infect the outer layer of the skin and hair, causing the characteristic ring-shaped lesions. Ringworm can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or animal, as well as through contaminated objects or surfaces. Indirect contact with infected soil or water can also lead to infection.

Additionally, people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to ringworm infections.

• Contact with Infected Animals: Ringworm is commonly caused by contact with infected animals, particularly cats, dogs, and livestock, through direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated animal hair or dander.
• Poor Hygiene: Poor personal hygiene, such as not washing hands regularly, especially after contact with animals or contaminated surfaces, contributes to the spread of ringworm.
• Contaminated Objects: Ringworm can be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects, including hair clippers, combs, and other personal items that come into contact with infected skin or hair.
• Contaminated Soil: In some cases, ringworm can be contracted through contact with contaminated soil, particularly in areas where cats or other animals have urinated or defecated.
• Contaminated Water: Ringworm can be transmitted through contact with contaminated water, especially in areas where animals have urinated or defecated in the water supply.
• Infected Humans: Ringworm can be spread from person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual, particularly in areas where personal hygiene is poor.
• Contaminated Clothing: Ringworm can be transmitted through contact with contaminated clothing, particularly if the clothing has come into contact with infected skin or hair.
• Contaminated Bedding: Ringworm can be contracted through contact with contaminated bedding, particularly if the bedding has come into contact with infected skin or hair.
• Infected Pets in the Home: Ringworm can be transmitted within the home through contact with infected pets, particularly if proper hygiene and cleaning practices are not followed.
• Contaminated Toys: Ringworm can be transmitted through contact with contaminated toys, particularly if the toys have come into contact with infected skin or hair.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for ringworm?

The main medicinal herbs used for ringworm are Aloe vera, Melaleuca alternifolia, Calendula officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Curcuma longa, Aloe barbadensis, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, Azadirachta indica, Solanum nigrum.

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and itching of ringworm, while Melaleuca alternifolia's tea tree oil exhibits antifungal activity against Trichophyton species, the causative agent of ringworm. Calendula officinalis and Eucalyptus globulus, with their antimicrobial properties, help prevent secondary infections and promote wound healing. Curcuma longa, a natural antiseptic, reduces inflammation and fights fungal infections, while Aloe barbadensis, rich in vitamins and minerals, soothes and calms the skin.

Additionally, Allium sativum's antibacterial properties, combined with Zingiber officinale's anti-inflammatory properties and Azadirachta indica's antifungal properties, and Solanum nigrum's antiseptic properties, provide comprehensive treatment for ringworm.

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps to soothe and calm the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can aid in treating ringworm infections.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil, exhibits antifungal properties that can help combat the fungal infection causing ringworm, reducing its severity and promoting recovery.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, or marigold, possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and promoting healing in the affected area of ringworm.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, or eucalyptus oil, has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the skin, making it a potential treatment for ringworm.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, a compound with potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat the fungal infection and reduce inflammation in ringworm.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the affected area of ringworm.
• Allium sativum: Allium sativum, or garlic, contains compounds with antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help combat the fungal infection and reduce inflammation in ringworm.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the skin, making it a potential treatment for ringworm.
• Azadirachta indica: Azadirachta indica, or neem, contains compounds with antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help combat the fungal infection and reduce inflammation in ringworm.
• Solanum nigrum: Solanum nigrum, or black nightshade, possesses antifungal properties that can help combat the fungal infection causing ringworm, reducing its severity and promoting recovery.

What are the main herbal preparations used for ringworm?

The main herbal preparations used for ringworm are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Ointment, Poultice, Salve, Capsules, Gel, Powder, Suppository.

Decoction of herbs such as tea tree oil, neem and turmeric has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal ringworm lesions. Tincture of herbs like calendula and aloe vera can be applied topically to soothe and calm the affected skin. Creams and ointments made from herbs like tea tree oil and neem can be applied directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

Other preparations like poultice, salve, capsules, gel, powder, and suppository made from herbs like aloe vera, calendula, and turmeric can also be used to treat ringworm due to their antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Decoction: A decoction of the antifungal herbs such as Calendula officinalis and Echinacea purpurea helps with ringworm by releasing their bioactive compounds into the water, which can then be absorbed by the skin to inhibit the growth of the fungal infection.
• Tincture: A tincture of the antifungal herbs such as Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) helps with ringworm by allowing the active compounds to be absorbed into the skin quickly and effectively to combat the fungal infection.
• Cream: A cream preparation of the antifungal herb such as Aloe barbadensis and Echinacea purpurea helps with ringworm by providing a physical barrier to protect the skin from further infection and allowing the active compounds to penetrate the skin to inhibit the growth of the fungal infection.
• Ointment: An ointment preparation of the antifungal herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Calendula officinalis helps with ringworm by providing a thick protective barrier to shield the skin from further infection and allowing the active compounds to penetrate the skin to inhibit the growth of the fungal infection.
• Poultice: A poultice preparation of the antifungal herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Calendula officinalis helps with ringworm by applying the active compounds directly to the affected area to stimulate the immune system and promote healing, which can help to clear up the fungal infection.
• Salve: A salve preparation of the antifungal herbs such as Aloe barbadensis and Echinacea purpurea helps with ringworm by providing a protective barrier to shield the skin from further infection and allowing the active compounds to penetrate the skin to inhibit the growth of the fungal infection.
• Capsules: Capsules of the antifungal herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Calendula officinalis help with ringworm by allowing the active compounds to be absorbed into the bloodstream, which can then be distributed to the affected area to inhibit the growth of the fungal infection.
• Gel: A gel preparation of the antifungal herbs such as Aloe barbadensis and Echinacea purpurea helps with ringworm by providing a clear and non-greasy barrier to shield the skin from further infection and allowing the active compounds to penetrate the skin to inhibit the growth of the fungal infection.
• Powder: A powder preparation of the antifungal herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Calendula officinalis helps with ringworm by allowing the active compounds to be applied directly to the affected area to stimulate the immune system and promote healing, which can help to clear up the fungal infection.
• Suppository: Suppositories of the antifungal herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Calendula officinalis help with ringworm by delivering the active compounds directly to the affected area, which can help to inhibit the growth of the fungal infection and promote healing.